Bob Menendez and Max Schill Support the OPEN Act

Since graduating with a BA and an MA in political science from American University in Washington, DC, Fred Turner has served as Legislative Director for Congresswoman Karen McCarthy, and Chief of Staff for Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, and for the US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. In 2014, Fred Turner was appointed as Chief of Staff to US Senator Bob Menendez. The two recently met with Max Schill, a seven-year-old New Jersey resident with Noonan syndrome, to discuss health care innovation.

Noonan syndrome is a rare genetic disease in the RASopathy family of disorders affecting RAS gene proteins. Lisa Schill, Max’s mom, is the vice president of RASopathies Network USA. The mother and son duo have been working to raise awareness of these rare diseases including in support of the 21st Century Cures Act.

Menendez announced at his meeting with Max that he will co-sponsor Congress’ OPEN Act, an aspect of the 21st Century Cures Act, which will make it easier for pharmaceutical companies to research and develop treatments for the 30 million or so Americans like Max who are living with rare diseases.